Vanicream™ Sunscreen SPF 50+ provides the highest-level broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB sun rays in a light, transparent formula that contains no irritating chemical sunscreens. While many properly labeled sunscreens protect the skin from sun's burning UVB rays, Vanicream SPF 50+ sunscreen contains Titanium Dioxide and more Zinc Oxide than the SPF 30 sunscreen to additionally protect from UVA radiation. UVA rays not only contribute to skin damage and premature aging of the skin, but also intensify the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and have even become suspect as being a direct cause of cancer. Like all Vanicream products, the SPF 50+ is formulated for those with sensitive skin, so contains no ingredients known to aggravate or trigger skin sensitivities. Vanicream™ SPF 50+ Sunscreen comes in a 4-oz tube. (SPF 30 and SPF 35 Sport Sunscreens sold separately).

Sunscreen can help prevent the short- and long-term damaging effects of sunlight, but overexposure to the sun should be avoided, even with sunscreen.

No PABA, benzophenones, fragrances, masking fragrances, dyes, oils, lanolin, parabens, formaldehyde and other preservatives, or other common chemical irritants ¹

Reduces risk of UV-induced skin aging and skin cancer, when used as directed

More Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide than SPF 30 for greater UVA protection

Applies cleanly, with no color residue

Non-comedogenic (no blackheads)

Safe for ages 6 months and up

Water resistant (80 minutes)

Doctor recommended

Note:

¹

Vanicream™ skin care products have always been known for what is NOT in them. Please see this list of common chemical irritants often found in other products, and why they can be so irritating.

Understanding UVA and UVB

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, both UVA and UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in conditions such as premature skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts), and skin cancers.

UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, have long been known to play a major role in skin aging and wrinkling, and are now known to contribute to and may even initiate the development of skin cancers. These rays can penetrate glass (including auto windows) and light clothing.

UVB rays, the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn, tend to damage the skin's more superficial epidermal layers. They play a key role in the development of skin cancer and a contributory role in tanning and wrinkling. UVB rays do not significantly penetrate glass.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor

The SPF number is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB rays from damaging the skin and indicates how long you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, a person that normally burns (or begins reddening) in 10 minutes when out in the sun without protection, could theoretically stay out 15 times longer (150 minutes) and not burn (or redden) by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15. However, depending on the UV intensity of the sun's rays and other factors, sunburns could occur in a much shorter time.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that, while no sunscreen can block all UVB rays, “most sunscreens with an SPF or 15 or higher do an excellent job of protecting against UVB,” for normal everyday activities, while sunscreens with “SPFs of 30 or higher (are) acceptable for extended or intense outdoor exposures.” According to the Foundation, the approximate percentage of UVB rays blocked for each of the SPF numbers shown below is:

SPF 15 - 93% of UVB

SPF 30 - 97% of UVB

SPF 50 - 98% of UVB

Broad Spectrum Protection

Under the FDA's new June 2011 standards (which took effect Dec. 31, 2012), sunscreens may only be labeled "Broad Spectrum" if they provide the same proportional protection against both UVB and UVA radiation. In other words, sunscreens labeled "Broad Spectrum" today must block approximately:

Vanicream™ sunscreens are water resistant for 80 minutes, ¹ which means they protect the skin for 80 minutes of sweating or swimming. Reapply immediately after swimming or heavy sweating, otherwise reapply every 2 hours, if you stay dry.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors to give the skin time to absorb it.

Apply approximately one ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen for full body coverage (less for partial coverage). Apply sunscreen more liberally to the face, as facial skin is thin and highly exposed.

Reapply every 2 hours, if you stay dry.

Reapply immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.

Never neglect applying sunscreen on hazy or overcast days because 70-80% of UVA rays still penetrate fog and clouds. UVA rays also penetrate glass, so sunscreen should not be forgotten while in the car.

Do not rely on sunscreens alone to protect skin against UV rays, but rather consider it one step of a complete sun protection program. Click here for the Skin Cancer Foundation's Prevention Guidelines.

Note:

¹

In the eyes of the FDA, there is no such thing as a "waterproof" sunscreen because once water interacts with sunscreen it becomes less effective. As a result, on June 24, 2011, the FDA issued new rules that, in part, no longer allow the terms "sunblock," "sweatproof," or "waterproof" on sunscreen labels. Sunscreens may be "water resistant," but must specify on the label whether they protect the skin for 40 minutes or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.Vanicream™ SPF 30, SPF 35 Sport and SPF 50+ Sunscreens have been tested and found to meet the maximum amount of water resistance (80 minutes) allowed by the new FDA regulations. This appears on the sunscreens' product labels.

Rated 4.83 out of 5 based on 12 reviews.

Powered by

MW

November 26

Haven' tried it yet, but if it is anything like their other products it will be excellent

Kendra

March 22

Excellent product for anyone with psoriasis!

Kerry

I have only used this product once, but I liked it. I highly recommend multiple applications because it is so thick, it is hard to know if you have applied it all over. The product really works, so if you didn't get it all over, you will burn in the spots you missed and look funny, like I currently do. :-)

Mark

I have used the SPF 50+ on several occasions while working in full sun. It does an excellent job preventing sunburn, has no scent to irritate sinuses, and does not feel greasy. I would rate it at "5" if it lasted longer. Re-application is recommended after 80 minutes when you are sweating.

Shawna

I am a redhead and I burn in less than 10 minutes of being in the sun even while driving. I have been able to use this product daily on my face and body without getting eczema or any skin irritations. I love it and it works great.

MaryEllen

I've used the #30,#60 and lip. A little thick and white going on, does fade, no sun burn,no fragrance

Beth

I prefer the SPF 35 SPORT over the regular SPF 30. The sport formula seems to absorb into the skin more quickly and leaves less residue. Neither have left any stains of my clothing which is a good thing! Both do have thick cream, but as I mentioned above, the SPF 35 SPORT absorbs better and feels better on the skin. I will continue to use the SPF 35 SPORT all summer and perhaps year-round as needed. It is so great that this is made in Minnesota and has such good ingredients in it!

Ray

We are very impressed with this product. We've tried many different sunscreens that give us a rash so searched for those based on Zinc Oxide without all the harmful chemicals found in most sunscreens. We tried some, many too hard to apply well and some of them smell. This one fit the bill. It goes on smoothly and cleanly. We do not react to it (all of us have very sensitive skin, especially our 5yo). We now want to try their other products. Finally a sunscreen we can depend on.

Nordys00

I love this product. With my very sensitive skin and a lot of allergies, this was a great product and am not allergic to it.

Cathy

I have used this product for several years and find it to be the best sunscreen I have tried...for myself, my family and for friends who have tried it.

Eleanor

I've looked for a nongreasy sunscreen for my face for years. This one is it! It blends in, stays on, and works. Now I'll only buy this product.

Karen

I have rosacea and use this product (SPF 35) daily with no irritation. I highly recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin. It blends easily on the face and works well under makeup. Nongreasy and overall a great product! I prefer the SPF 35 formula and did not like the SPF 30 or 50 products as well.